How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and split over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Look for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even if the activities of the household remain the same, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home dry.

It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more vulnerable to being damaged by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indication that you need to employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may notice decaying wood and falling metal.

The most frequent type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation, allergies to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow within them, and later be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.